The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) was launched at the American Center in Ashgabat and the American Corners in Dashoguz, Mary, and Turkmenabat on March 2, 2024. Implemented in Turkmenistan in partnership with the Union of Economists, AWE is a State Department program that provides enterprising women with the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses.
U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Matthew Klimow and Chairman of the Union of Economists of Turkmenistan Yuri Aronsky attended the ceremony in Ashgabat. Ambassador Klimow said in his speech: "We are so pleased that this year, Turkmenistan joins more than 100 participating countries of AWE, and the Turkmen women will be joining a community of more than 25,000 women who have already participated in the program globally. The establishment of this Academy is a testament to our commitment to gender equality and economic empowerment. It underscores our belief in the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs who, with the right support and resources, can transform economies, uplift communities, and inspire future generations."
Mr. Aronsky remarked: "The AWE Program to support women's entrepreneurship in Turkmenistan is an important milestone for the business, contributing to the development of all entrepreneurship and the national innovation economy!"
Over the coming months, program participants will complete an online business course developed by Arizona State University's Thunderbird School of Global Management, attend weekly in-person sessions, and develop a business plan. The business plans will then be presented at a final event tentatively scheduled for June 2024 in Ashgabat.
Source: Information and Culture Department of US Embassy in Turkmenistan
